BAM Nuttall Create Virtual Experience for ICE Exhibition

8 February 2018

With the launch of a new 3D virtual walkthrough application, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is inviting young people and families from across the country to explore the Invisible Superheroes exhibition from wherever they are this half-term. The exhibition features real-life engineers as cartoon superheroes who are battling to save the planet from dangers such as climate change, flooding, and the spread of disease.

The interactive virtual experience, created by BAM Nuttall, uses the state-of-the-art Matterport camera to allow people wherever they are to experience the exhibition. The technology creates an interactive 3D map of an indoor environment, similar to how Google Street View mapped the outdoors.

Colin Evison, Head of Innovation at BAM Nuttall, said:

“BAM Nuttall has used the Matterport technology over a wide range of environments, including on civil engineering projects and beyond, and we’re keen to share the potential benefits. We are delighted to support the ICE and the Invisible Superheroes exhibition, using this technology to create a unique virtual visit experience and offering an immediate and visual example of engineering innovation.”

Dr Anne Kemp, Director and Fellow at Atkins, who appears in the exhibition as Digital Dynamo, said:

“With our planet facing unprecedented challenges, such as climate change and a rising global population, civil engineers are the ‘invisible superheroes’ who are working to transform our lives and keep us safe. Demonstrating clever engineering in action, our 3D walkthrough will transport people from anywhere in the world to the heart of our exhibition, bringing it to life for those unable to attend. Designed to inspire the imaginations of everyone, young and old, we hope this exhibition will entertain and educate kids this half term no matter where they are in the country.”

Supported by Tideway, the Invisible Superheroes exhibition tells the story of how civil engineers help transform lives, shape the world in which we live, and safeguard the future. Characters from the past and present include:

·Thomas Telford, the historic bridge and canal builder, as Colossus

·Joseph Bazalgette, creator of the London sewers, as Captain Sanitation

Invisible Superheroes is free to attend and open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, at the Infrastructure Learning Hub at One Great George Street, London, SW1P 3AA. The year-long exhibition is part of ICE’s bicentenary celebrations - ICE 200 - running throughout 2018, with events planned around the UK to showcase and explain civil engineering to the public.

Watch the ‘Meet the Superheroes’ film, featuring interviews with the civil engineers from the exhibition: http://bit.ly/2nm3gYT